Technical Officer, Optical Spectroscopy

Your Challenge

Great Minds. One Goal. Canada's Success.

Help bring research to life and drive your career forward with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), Canada’s largest research and technology organization. 

We are looking for a Technical Officer, Optical Spectroscopy to support our Metrology Research Centre. The Technical Officer would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity. 

The Technical Officer provides calibration services to clients and technical (electrical, electronic, computer, mechanical, organizational, logistical and other) support, and systems oversight in the day-to-day operations of the Photometry and Spectrophotometry team.

KEY ACTIVITIES

• Monitors and regular validation of P&S equipment, electronic and computer systems in the P&S labs. Initiates and executes system repairs and upgrades. Completes general lab optics and mechanical equipment assembly and installation. Maintain, troubleshoot and validate performance of custom high precision optical instrumentation.
• Designs and constructs custom equipment for specialized applications, using state of the art optical components, design software and sophisticated test and measurement equipment for P&S precision measurement equipment;
• Performs calibrations and prepares reports for internal and external customers.

Screening Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

A Bachelor’s Degree or College Diploma in Physics or Engineering with emphasis in optics.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Significant hands-on experience in programming and computer interfacing applied to the control of instruments;
• Significant hands-on experience in advanced optics and optical instrumentation;
• Experience working in a scientific laboratory or testing facility performing precision measurements;
• Experience working independently on simultaneous projects; and
• Experience in electronics and mechanical design (including design, layout, component specification, construction, testing and troubleshooting).

Condition of Employment

• Reliability Status; and
• Must be able to independently work in a laboratory environment in a safe manner.

Language Requirements

English

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment Criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical Competencies

• Demonstrated solid knowledge in fundamental principles of optics;
• Demonstrated capability in programming languages, computer interfacing and instrument control, as well as data analysis;
• Demonstrated capability in design and implementation of data acquisition systems and components as well as analogue electronics;
• Ability to identify problems with experimental techniques and/or approaches and suggest solutions;
• Demonstrated competency in troubleshooting complex experimental apparatus; and
• Demonstrated competency in design, construct and maintain advanced and custom scientific apparatus.

Behavioural Competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Research Technician/Technologist

View all competency profiles

Compensation

SALARY UNDER REVIEW

From $58,445 to $80,040 per annum. 

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits  including comprehensive health and dental plans, vacation, sick, and other leave entitlements, disability insurance and pension plans. 

The NRC Advantage

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is the Government of Canada's largest research organization supporting industrial innovation, the advancement of knowledge and technology development. We collaborate with over 70 colleges, universities and hospitals annually, work with 800 companies on their projects, and provide advice or funding to over 8000 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) each year.

We bring together the brightest minds to deliver tangible impacts on the lives of Canadians and people around the world. And now, we want to partner with you.  Let your expertise and inspirations make an impact by joining the NRC.

At the NRC Employee wellness matters. We offer flexible work schedules as well as part-time work to help employees maintain work-life balance. We are one of the few federal organizations that close our offices during the December holiday season.  We offer professional learning and development opportunities such as conferences, workshops, and a suite of mentorship, award and recognition programs. Diversity enables creativity and innovation. Fostering a diverse, inclusive, welcoming and supportive workplace is important to us, and contributes to a more inclusive Canadian innovation system. We welcome all qualified applicants and encourage you to complete the employment equity self-declaration questions during the job application process. Please let us know of any accommodation measures required to help you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Please note that the information you provide will be treated confidentially. 

Help us solve problems for Canada. Grow your career with us today!

Notes

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives
• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• The working conditions are those in an ordinary analytical laboratory environment with some handling of solvents (sometimes requiring a respirator), pressurized gases (sometimes requiring hearing protection) and gas cylinders. Working with small hand/power tools to be expected for equipment modification and construction, sample loading for testing.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.